Radio’s twists and turns get more interesting by the week, as the industry continues to seek out definition… And answers.
Case in point: Independent station owner, Bud Walters. He owns WBUZ in Nashville, a station that is up against many of the big boys in a very competitive Rock market. The Buzz was one of the early Bob & Tom affiliates, but in a state of affairs that I’ll let Bud describe to you in the promo (streaming below), found himself without a morning show – while Bob & Tom journeyed across the street to a Cumulus station.
What’s the "little guy" to do? John Boy & Billy are already on the Clear Channel Classic Rocker. So he took a chance, and signed up the "Free Beer & Hot Wings Show." You probably haven’t heard of these guys, but they are setting the world on fire in Grand Rapids, and are now beginning to syndicate the show to new markets.
But that’s not really the point here because just acquiring a new show wasn’t really going to be the answer for Bud. In a transparent and authentic move, he’s gone to the airwaves to take his story to the market.
Listeners connect with an honest, genuine voice; especially given radio’s checkered history of "disappearing" DJs and personalities without a word of explanation to the audience, Walters’ story is a good one. Listeners are always trying to understand what’s going on behind the scenes, and by pulling back that curtain a bit, he’s giving them some insight into the twists and turns on the radio dial.
It’s smart business, and great tactics in a business that’s becoming increasingly confused about where it’s headed next.
Full disclosure: We consult WBUZ and recommended "Free Beer & Hot Wings" as Bob & Tom’s replacement.
MP3 File
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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